Ingredients
For the Burritos (Makes 8 Servings)
- 8 large burrito flour or wheat tortillas
- 4 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 ½ cups Roma or vine tomatoes, diced
- 1 pound grilled chicken, cubed or shredded
- 2 cups Mexican blend or cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 large Hass avocado, diced
For Serving (Optional Enhancements)
- 3 ounces crunchy tortilla strips
- ¼ cup avocado ranch dressing
- ¼ cup chipotle ranch dressing
- Side of cilantro lime rice or cantina rice
- Side of Mexican-style black beans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
Before assembling the burritos, warm the tortillas to make them more pliable. Place each tortilla in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side. This prevents them from cracking when folding and rolling.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients
Divide the burrito fillings evenly among the eight tortillas. Place each ingredient in the center of the tortilla to ensure even distribution.
For each burrito, layer the following:
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ⅓ cup grilled chicken (cubed or shredded)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- 3 tablespoons diced tomatoes
- ⅛ of a diced avocado
- A sprinkle of crunchy tortilla strips for extra texture
- 1 tablespoon of chipotle ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon of avocado ranch dressing
Step 3: Fold and Roll the Burrito
Folding the burrito properly is essential to prevent the fillings from spilling out. Follow these steps for a secure wrap:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, covering part of the filling.
- Starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla upward, tucking it tightly as you go.
- Continue rolling until the entire burrito is enclosed.
Step 4: Toast the Burritos
Toasting the burritos enhances their flavor and texture, giving them a golden, crispy exterior.
- Lightly coat a frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
- Place the burritos seam-side down in the pan. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
1. How to Tell If the Chicken Is Cooked
If you’re grilling chicken from scratch, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The easiest way to check is by using a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside, it’s fully cooked.
2. Preventing a Soggy Burrito
To keep your burrito from becoming soggy, avoid overloading it with wet ingredients. If using fresh tomatoes, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the tortilla. Also, apply dressings sparingly or serve them on the side.
3. How to Keep Tortillas from Tearing
If tortillas are stiff or prone to breaking, warm them in a dry skillet or microwave them for 10 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This makes them more flexible and easier to roll.
4. Substituting Tools
If you don’t have a frying pan for toasting, you can use a griddle, sandwich press, or even a toaster oven. Just ensure even heating to achieve a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes